Multi-Layered Transparent Armor Structure with Angled Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent armor solutions fail to effectively balance protection against projectiles with transparency and versatility across various applications, such as military vehicles and personal protection devices, while maintaining visibility and energy dissipation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered transparent armor structure comprising glass and polyurethane layers with varying thicknesses and orientations, along with air gaps, which are laminated together to deflect and dissipate projectile energy through angled surfaces and parallel interfaces, enhancing both protection and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional glass or single-layer transparent materials are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but protection against projectiles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent armor is divided into multiple layers (at least three layers) of transparent materials, each layer contributing to the overall protective capability. The segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions while collectively providing enhanced projectile resistance compared to a single-layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The armor combines multiple transparent materials with different properties (such as glass layers, plastic layers, or different types of transparent polymers) to create a composite structure. This composite approach leverages the strengths of each material to achieve superior projectile protection while maintaining transparency.
2Strength
If thicker transparent materials are used to improve protection, then projectile resistance increases, but weight increases and visibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thick layer that would compromise visibility, the armor uses multiple thinner layers. This segmentation maintains the required protective strength while each individual layer remains thin enough to preserve optical clarity and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers have different thicknesses and material properties optimized for their specific positions in the stack. Some layers may be thinner for optical clarity while others provide specialized functions, creating a non-uniform structure that optimizes both protection and visibility locally.
3Loss of energy
If multiple layers are added to improve protection, then projectile energy dissipation increases, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer structure is designed to be manufactured using sequential lamination processes, where each layer is added in a controlled manner. This segmentation approach allows for standardized manufacturing procedures that, while more complex than single-layer production, follow a systematic process that can be automated and scaled.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The structure effectively slows and dissipates projectile energy, maintaining transparency and providing enhanced protection against projectiles while allowing for flexible application in different environments.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-layered transparent armor structure comprising glass and polyurethane layers with varying thicknesses and orientations, along with air gaps, which are laminated together to deflect and dissipate projectile energy through angled surfaces and parallel interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent armor structure includes a layer having a first planar surface and a second planar surface of substantially the same configuration as the first planar surface. The second planar surface is located opposite the first planar surface and oriented such that it is not parallel to the first planar surface and such that corresponding locations on the first and second planar surfaces are displaced approximately 90 degrees from each other.